The value of thoracic computed tomography scans in clinical diagnosis: a prospective study.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans are used extensively to investigate chest disease because of their cross-sectional perspective and superior contrast resolution compared with chest radiographs. These advantages lead to a more accurate imaging assessment of thoracic disease. The actual use and evaluation of the clinical impact of thoracic CT has not been assessed since scanners became widely available.

Another face of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.

A 47-year-old man presented with an eight-day history of nonproductive cough and constitutional symptoms progressing to respiratory failure. High resolution computed tomography revealed a diffuse micronodular pattern and a 'tree-in-bud' pattern in the lower lung zones. Transbronchial biopsy showed features consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP).